Fly-tipped waste was discovered almost 2,000 times in Mendip last year, new figures show.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs figures reveal there were 1,896 fly-tipping incidents in Mendip in the year to March 2022 – though this was down from 2,283 the year before.

A significant amount of fly-tipping in the area last year was discovered on highways (90%).

The largest proportion of discarded waste was household black bin bags (38%) followed by household waste (31%). The data also shows £14,733 was paid by councils on removing large incidents of fly-tipping in Mendip.

According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), a total of 49,883 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in the South West in 2021/22. This was down from 55,162 in the previous year.

But environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy said the level of fly-tipping seen is a "tragedy" to the environment and to communities.

In the wake of the findings, a rural insurance specialist has issued adice for landowners who want to help keep fly-tippers at bay.

William McCarter, of rural insurance broker, Lycetts, said: "It is important that landowners continue to remain vigilant if the downward trajectory is to continue. Making it difficult for environmental criminals to access land is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take.

"Gates should be locked when not in use, fences should be in a good state of repair and hedges should be cut back to allow good visibility for property owners.

"Fly-tippers tend to operate under cover of darkness, so exterior lighting should be installed, if possible. Security cameras can also be an effective deterrent and can help secure successful prosecutions."

As well as posing significant and environmental health risks, fly-tipping can be a legal and financial burden.